Blowouts Just Aren't Our Style

No matter what happened in the game it's a win, say it again with me, it's a win. A win that sent the Los Angeles Lakers 2-0 up against the Thunder.

With lack luster offensive play LA scraped out a win in the dying seconds of the game. Never really panicking but not truly inspiring either. The Lakers did what they always do and made the game more difficult than it needed to be. That in itself is quite a talent. Instead of repeating a solid performance of pounding the ball inside to the big men, they felt quite content to float up soft layups and poor shots that helped the Thunder acquire 17 blocked shots. Despite a lull in the end of the second quarter LA's defense stayed tight and kept them in the ball game while Kobe pulled the Lakers kicking and screaming to the other end to put the ball in the basket and keep LA in the game.

Despite the flaws it was good to see Kobe doing what he does best and scoring points. He looked a lot less troubled by the injuries that would bring mere mortals to their knees. Kobe was able to slice through the defense pick his shots and his elevation on the jump shots seemed much improved. You honestly didn't think that Kobe was going to become on non factor for the Lakers did you? Well, 39 points argues otherwise.

"After 13 years," smirked Bryant, "you think they'd know better."

Now it will be off to Okalahoma where the Thunder will be looking to impress their fans. LA seems to play particularly well in hostile grounds so Oklahoma shouldn't take anything too lightly. Oh yeah there is another guy who plays well against adversity, what is his name again?